The definition of carer is: “someone who is responsible for looking after another person” that could be someone who has a disability, someone ill or elderly. While it can in many situations, it doesn’t always mean you must be providing hands on physical care.

We understand not everyone would choose the word ‘Carer’, it might not feel relevant to you. You might be looking after someone with a mental health issue, someone with substance dependence, someone who needs a chaperone in social situations, a parent with memory issues or always being on the phone with someone who relies on your support. But we want to make sure you are still able to access the services available for supporting you.

If you look after someone, please let us know - we may be able to help.

Please complete the form below if you are a carer and return either by post, email (rowden.surgery@nhs.net) or handed in at our Reception desk.

Carer's Registration Form

Each day 6,000 new people in the UK become carers, looking after family or friends, and while we know that caring can be very rewarding, it can also be very challenging and can make it difficult to remember our own health and wellbeing.

We do our best to look after you, while you’re looking after someone else. 

We work very closely with Carers Support Wiltshire and Rowden Surgery holds a Platinum Carers Accreditation and we pride ourselves on keeping carers the topic of discussion. We have held this award for two years and plan to continue our work in this field. 

Tracey Cooke is our carer topic lead and Mandy Merrett is our deputy carer topic lead.

If you are aged between 5-16 years old and care for others, here is some useful support information supplied by Carers Support Wiltshire:

Home - Young Carers | Carer Support Wiltshire

Here are some additional resources available for you: Help for young carers - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Please contact us to let us know if you are a young carer, we can then aim to get your records updated and provide you with additional support.

Did you know that if you are a registered carer, you are eligible for a Flu vaccination? Please call to book an appointment from September onwards.

Carer's Support Wiltshire offer help and advice for people who care for others.  Please see this website for more information:

Carer's Support Wiltshire

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• Caring for a parent

  Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home

• Telling people

  Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

• Housing and carers

  Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers
  

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the person you care for (under state pension age)
• Benefits for the person you care for (over state pension age)

Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

• Death and benefits
  

  Help with costs and funeral expenses after someone has died. Includes Universal Credit.

• Managing someone's legal affairs
  

  Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

• Other benefits & tax credits
  

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring. Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible

• Personal and household finance

  Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

• Paying for your own social care & When the council might pay for your social care
  

   

Breaks for carers | Your care Your support Wiltshire

Carers: help and support - Citizens Advice